Why Make This Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a perfect dish to start your day with a hearty meal. It combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and creamy cheese for a filling breakfast that everyone in the family will love. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or just want something tasty for brunch, this casserole is a great choice. Plus, it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings.

How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 lb ground breakfast sausage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon fine salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped, divided
2 cups shredded Colby-Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese, divided
6 eggs
1 ¼ cups milk of choice (we used 2%)
1 (28-ounce or two 16-ounce) package frozen tater tots or crispy crowns
Optional for serving: Sour cream, sliced green onions, hot sauce, additional bacon

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, mist the surface with cooking spray. Add the onion, bell pepper, and sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the sausage is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper; stir until well mixed.
Stir 4 slices of the chopped bacon into the mixture, then transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
Add 1 cup of cheese and the full package of frozen tater tots to the mixture in the baking dish. Toss until the ingredients are well incorporated and spread evenly.
In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, combine the eggs and milk; whisk until smooth. Season the liquid with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish.
Top with the remaining 1 cup cheese and the remaining 2 slices of chopped bacon.
Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Check for doneness starting at 25 minutes and add more time as needed.
Optional: For a crispy topping, turn on the oven broiler to High and broil the top of the casserole for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
If desired, garnish servings with sour cream, sliced green onions, hot sauce, or extra chopped cooked bacon.

How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Serve the casserole warm right out of the oven. It can be portioned into squares and placed on plates. For added flavor, top each serving with sour cream, sliced green onions, a splash of hot sauce, or some additional crispy bacon.

How to Store Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

For extra flavor, try using flavored sausage, such as spicy or maple.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for more nutrition.
If you want a vegetarian version, you can skip the sausage and bacon and add more vegetables and cheese instead.

Variation

You can customize this casserole by adding different types of cheese, using sweet potatoes instead of tater tots, or even adding spices like cayenne pepper for some heat.

FAQs

Can I make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then freeze it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole?
This casserole is filling on its own, but you can pair it with fresh fruit, a simple salad, or some pastries for a complete breakfast spread.